Signs Of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer. The signs and symptoms of the disease usually appear long after the exposure to asbestos. These may include problems with breathing, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms may also appear in the form of continuous cough, fever, blood clotting and anemia. However they may vary depending on which organ has been affected.
Causes of Mesothelioma
According to the National Cancer Institute, the chances of developing Mesothelioma go up if you are exposed to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is a tumor in the Mesothelium, which is a tissue around the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. The disease typically starts in the lungs, but may also develop in other organs like the abdomen. It can turn out to be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). You may even develop symptoms of the disease if you live with somebody who works near asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in soil and rock. Due to the strength and heat resistance of asbestos, it is used in building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been widely used in many manufactured products. If the Asbestos containing material is disturbed or damaged in any way, it releases tiny fiber particles into the air. Exposure to the fiber may occur during product use, construction or building activities, demolition work and home maintenance and repair.
Therefore, you need to be particularly cautious if your house is being renovated or repaired, or if you are involved in demolition or construction work. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to find out if asbestos containing materials were being used at your workplace. World health Organization (WHO) reports that around 125 million people in the world experience asbestos exposure at their workplace.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mesothelioma
Doctors usually rely on imaging tests and biopsy as methods of diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma is often found at a very late stage, and so makes it harder to treat it as well. Treatment methods generally include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The exact treatment method used will depend on the size and stage of the tumor, age and general health of the patient and the type of mesothelioma cancer cells.
Considering the large amount that typically needs to be spent on the physician’s fees and medical procedures, the treatment of mesothelioma may drain your financial resources. Therefore, you need to take precautions, identify asbestos exposure in your surroundings, and if diagnosed with the disease, you need make yourself aware of your legal rights.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to determine if it has developed due to the exposure to asbestos containing materials. It is a very serious disease, which besides causing a lot of pain and suffering may prove to be very expensive to treat as well. Therefore, you should promptly see a mesothelioma attorney who particularly deals with related cases. The attorney will inform you about your legal rights and options and will assist you in filing a law suit against the manufacturer of asbestos-containing material. You may also be eligible to make a claim for the compensation for the loss incurred.
